Lotteries have quickly become one of the most effective fundraising mechanisms in Laos, providing convenient distribution of prizes ranging from small sums to millions. Yet their legality raises many concerns; therefore this article explores the social and moral repercussions associated with these games, and their potential effects on society.
Though lottery is often seen as an unnecessary activity, some still find great enjoyment from it. This may be attributed to its hugely rewarding potential and growing lottery industry in Laos – now with over 20 official state lotteries but also with illegal sales via private companies and individuals selling through text messaging services and private sales channels; prompting public concern that this activity is being unchecked effectively by their government.
To combat illegal lottery sales, the Ministry of Finance has instructed state lotteries to reduce drawing frequency from four per week to two and to better oversee this process. Furthermore, government has decided to forbid players from purchasing lottery chances via short messaging service (SMS), an activity which allows participants to conceal their identities while becoming addicted to regular gambling habits.
Legal state lottery operations are managed by Laos’ Ministry of Finance, but illegal gambling has increased rapidly over time generating large sums for foreign nations and creating serious social problems in Laos. Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith recently issued a directive asking that both ministries collaborate closely together on combating this issue.
Lottery winners tend to be Chinese nationals belonging to criminal networks that use online gambling, romance scams and foreign-exchange schemes to move funds across Southeast Asia. Gangs also utilize cryptocurrency Tether and virtual currency platforms like Monero for funds movement between China and Laos as well as financing their operations.
After winning a $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot in the US, an immigrant from Laos named Cheng Saephan of Portland won almost half that sum after taxes in Oregon. Saephan said he prayed for good fortune before purchasing tickets and placed his lottery numbers underneath his pillow while sleeping – purchasing 30 tickets together with another person contributing $100 each to buy their winning lotto tickets together.